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Graduation Requirements

Colorado and Jeffco Public Schools are committed to educating students so they enter the workforce with in-demand skills that meet business, industry and higher education standards. According to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), jobs that require training beyond high school are growing three times as fast as those that don't require training.

The graduating class of 2022 and beyond must meet or exceed the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 23 credit hours in required courses and
  • Demonstrate Postsecondary Workforce Readiness (PWR) for at least one measure in reading, writing and communicating; and one measure in mathematics.

Required Course Credits

Students are required to complete the 23 credit hours of study shown below.

Subject

Jeffco credits

Higher Education Admission Recommendations (HEAR) credits a

English Language Arts 

4

4

Math

3 b

4

Science

3 c

3

Social Studies

3.5 d

3

Physical Education or Health Education

0.5

None

Fine or Practical Arts 

0.5

None

World Language 

N/A 

1

Additional Coursework

8.5

2

Total

23

 

a: Higher education admission recommendations for Colorado public four-year colleges/universities; private colleges/universities set their own admission standards.

b: A minimum of Algebra 1, Geometry and one additional course at or above Geometry.

c: Three credits must be lab-based and meet both process and content standards are required.

d" Geography, U.S. History, World History, U.S. Government, Economics.

Postsecondary Workforce Readiness (PWR)

Students must demonstrate readiness on at least one measure in reading, writing and communicating; and one measure in mathematics.

complete 23 credit hours and demonstrate postsecondary workforce readiness  to graduate high school

PWR options a

Reading,
writing and 
communicating

Math

Accuplacer Next is a computerized test that assesses reading, writing, math and computer skills. The results of the assessment, in conjunction with a student’s academic background, goals and interests, are used by academic advisors and counselors to place students in college courses that match their skill levels.

241/Reading or 236 Writing

255/AR or 230/QAS b

ACT is a national college admissions exam. It measures four subjects: English, reading, math and science. The highest possible score for each subject is 36.

18

19

ACT WorkKeys is an assessment that tests students’ job skills in applied reading, writing, mathematics and 21st century skills. Scores are based on job profiles that help employers select, hire, train, develop and retain a high-performance workforce.

Students must score at the bronze level (a score of at least 3) in all three assessments: Applied Mathematics, Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents. If they score bronze, they will earn the ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate.

Bronze

Advanced Placement (AP) c exams test students’ ability to perform at a college level. Districts choose which AP exams will fulfill this menu option. Scores range from 1 to 5 (highest).

2

2

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a comprehensive test that helps determine students’ eligibility and suitability for careers in the military. Students who score at least 31 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) are eligible for service (along with other standards that include physical condition and personal conduct). Students who take the ASVAB are not required to enlist in the military.

31

Concurrent enrollment provides students the opportunity to enroll in postsecondary courses, simultaneously earning high school and college credit. School districts and higher education institutions each determine passing grades for credit and concurrent enrollment. An eligible concurrent enrollment course is:

  1. The prerequisite directly prior to a credit-bearing course or
  2. A credit-bearing course, and
  3. Governed by a district-level cooperative agreement or memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Districts choose which courses will fulfill the option.

Passing grade

Passing grade

A district capstone is the culminating exhibition of a student’s project or experience that demonstrates academic and intellectual learning. Capstone projects are district-determined and often include a portfolio of a student’s best work.

Passing

Passing

Industry certificates are credentials recognized by business and industry. They are district determined, measure a student’s competency in an occupation, and validate a knowledge base and skills that show mastery in a particular industry.

Completed

International Baccalaureate (IB) c exams assess students enrolled in the official IB Diploma Programme. Districts choose which IB exams will fulfill this option. Scores range from 1 to 7 (highest).

4

4

The SAT d is a college entrance exam. The SAT includes sections on reading, writing and math. The highest possible score for each section is 800.

470

500

Performance-based assessment allows students to use an authentic demonstration of academic knowledge and essential skills through the creation of a complex product or presentation.

State rubric

State rubric

a: Check with your school to learn which of the above options are offered.

b: Arithmetic (AR); Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS).

c:  Other demonstrations may be required if test scores come after the deadline.

d: All students are required to take the SAT in their junior year. 

Graduation Requirements Flyer

Download the graduation requirements flyer to learn more about the Jeffco graduation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you cannot find the answers you are looking for, please contact your school.